The SUV is more fashionable than ever. in the UK, 3 out of 4 cars sold on the market belong to this segment. They are loved for their elegance and sportiness. However, the choice of an SUV must be made with great care. Compact, family, urban or large model? Find in this buying guide all our advices to choose your SUV.
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Our selection
"A family SUV par excellence, the Peugeot 5008 is an elegant car that is comfortable in urban environments while displaying the qualities of a grand…"
"The Renault Captur is a compact urban SUV that will get you to your destination, including the pleasure of driving. With its athletic looks and…"
"As luxurious as it is spacious, the BMW X7 prestige SUV attracts thanks to its many qualities, which have made the German manufacturer's reputation."
"The Nissan Qashqai is back with a vengeance with a new generation of technologies designed to boost driving, optimize safety and promote comfort."
A family SUV par excellence, the Peugeot 5008 is an elegant car that is comfortable in urban environments while displaying the qualities of a grand tourer.
From 31 150 € on PeugeotWith its 7 spacious and comfortable seats, the Peugeot 5008 is THE family SUV par excellence. It transports the whole family with elegance and efficiency on a daily basis. Despite its undoubted functionality, the vehicle proudly displays a sporty look and unsuspected characters of a seasoned roadster. It is a pleasure to drive, in the city as well as on highways and national roads.
Inside, the 5008 is packed with technology to assist the driver, enhance the driving experience and increase comfort levels. All of this makes it a luxury car that everyone can afford. This family SUV is offered at a particularly attractive price by Peugeot.
The Renault Captur is a compact urban SUV that will get you to your destination, including the pleasure of driving. With its athletic looks and advanced technologies, it will be the envy of many.
From €21,950 on RenaultThe diamond-shaped brand presents the Renaul Captur in a compact SUV version, designed specifically to meet urban travel needs. Its sleek lines with an apparent sporty touch turn to modernity, giving it a futuristic look that pleases. The brand offers a wide range of customizations to make your Captur a car that looks like you.
The driving experience is just as pleasant. This Renault Captur uses advanced technologies to assist you in driving without detracting from the pleasure of driving. You will, of course, be sheltered in a welcoming cabin where comfort and refinement reign. Get a great deal on this premium urban SUV at a very competitive price.
As luxurious as it is spacious, the BMW X7 prestige SUV attracts thanks to its many qualities, which have made the German manufacturer's reputation.
From € 96,999.98 on BmwThe BMW X7 has character. And for good reason, this SUV is dominant on the roads with its massive body supported by athletic lines and an impressive luxurious finish. The prestige is completed by BMW's mythical front grille. The grille hides a powerful 6-cylinder engine that delivers between 400 and 530 hp depending on the engine.
7 comfortable seats, with sumptuous finishes, are cleverly arranged in the cabin. The X7 stands out from the other SUVs in this comparison by the presence of a third bench in the back. Leather is everywhere and materials are carefully selected to bring out the sophistication and luxury that characterize the BMW X7.
The Nissan Qashqai is back with a vengeance with a new generation of technologies designed to boost driving, optimize safety and promote comfort.
Starting at $28,990 on NissanAny specific needs?
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Peugeot 5008 SUV
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SUV Renault Captur
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BMW X7 SUV
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SUV Nissan Qashqai
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A family SUV par excellence, the Peugeot 5008 is an elegant car that is comfortable in urban environments while displaying the qualities of a grand tourer.
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The Renault Captur is a compact urban SUV that will get you to your destination, including the pleasure of driving. With its athletic looks and advanced technologies, it will be the envy of many.
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As luxurious as it is spacious, the BMW X7 prestige SUV attracts thanks to its many qualities, which have made the German manufacturer's reputation.
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The Nissan Qashqai is back with a vengeance with a new generation of technologies designed to boost driving, optimize safety and promote comfort.
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Type
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Family SUV
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Urban SUV
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Large SUV
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Compact SUV
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Seating capacity
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7-passenger flexible seating
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5 seats
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6 or 7 seats
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5 seats
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Engines
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Gasoline, diesel
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Gasoline, diesel, hybrid
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Gasoline, diesel
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Light hybrid electric
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Consumption in l/100 km
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5.1 to 7.2
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5.90 to 6.30
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8.7 to 9
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5.3
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Dimensions
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4641 x 1844 x 1646 mm
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4329 x 1813 x 1619 mm
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5151 x 2000 x 1805 mm
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4425 x 1838 x 1635 mm
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The brand is the guarantee of the quality of the car. French brands like Peugeot and Citroën are known for their reliability while Renault seduces by its prices. German brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi...) offer luxury at much higher prices. The American, Japanese and Korean brands are also very present on the French market. The choice of the brand is above all a question of affinity. One driver will be more inclined to choose German cars while another will prefer SUVs made in the UK.
Generally, gasoline and diesel engines are the most common on SUVs. The former offers the most power and reliability, but is rather greedy especially on heavy vehicles like luxury SUVs. Diesel engines are becoming less common, but are still appreciated for their low fuel consumption. More recently, SUVs have also started to use hybrid and electric engines. The ecological interest being put forward by the manufacturers, remember to check the autonomy of these electric or hybrid models. The cost of the battery is another factor to consider before buying this type of vehicle.
Contrary to 4x4s, SUVs are not necessarily offered with all-wheel drive. Some models are limited to two-wheel drive. They get better fuel economy, but have less efficient traction than four-wheel-drive models. The choice depends inherently on your travels. If you're driving around town in normal conditions, a two-wheel-drive SUV is more than adequate. On the other hand, an all-wheel-drive model will be more suitable for driving in more difficult conditions (snow, rain, muddy tracks...). Some SUVs can switch from all-wheel drive to two-wheel drive.
At least 5 seats in an SUV. So-called family models and large SUVs can offer more. If a third bench seat is present in the cabin, the car will seat up to 7 people, which is ideal for large families who want to avoid minivans. On some models, the number of seats is adjustable. It can go from 6 to 7 or from 5 to 7 depending on the layout of the seats and benches. The layout aims to gain in number of seats or trunk volume depending on your needs.
SUVs are known for their higher fuel consumption compared to light cars. This is true, but to a small extent. The increase in fuel economy is about 8% over the average. Many models are real fuel hogs, while others are much more fuel-efficient and pollute less than you might think. Fuel consumption depends on several factors, such as the weight of the car, which is closely linked to its size, the engine capacity and the type of engine. Favour hybrid models in order to limit consumption as much as possible without making too many compromises in terms of power.
Maintaining an SUV is generally more expensive than maintaining a small car. It's true that these larger cars are more expensive to run. However, proper maintenance can extend the life of your SUV and, if you're considering selling it, can help you get a good resale price. Here are some tips on how to maintain your SUV.
Change your oil and brake fluid regularly. Also check the brake pads and tires. In general, the manufacturer indicates the recommended frequency for each maintenance operation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper operation and optimal longevity of your car.
If possible, have your car serviced by your dealer or a licensed professional. This will ensure that the job is done right, even though the costs may be relatively higher. The same goes for repairs if your SUV breaks down.
Regular washing is also a must. It concerns the body, the chassis, all the windows, the interior and the engine block. Please note that you should use suitable products when cleaning the windows. On the other hand, high-pressure water is sufficient to wash the body and chassis. This will help you get rid of the mud and moisture that can encourage rust. A vacuum cleaner should be enough to dust the interior and remove the dirt that tends to accumulate, in most cases, on the seats, the floor or the dashboard.
The city SUV is characterized by its length, which does not exceed 4.20 meters. They share much with city cars, but are distinguished by a high ground clearance. This type of SUV is economical and pleasant to drive. On the other hand, the interior of a city SUV is not the most spacious, just like the trunk, which has limited volume. The models in this category are best driven in the city, away from difficult roads. In fact, they are often reduced to a two-wheel drive.
Compact SUVs are all models between 4.20 m and 4.50 m long. This is the most popular type of SUV since it is affordable and displays better sportiness compared to city SUVs. Here, all-wheel drive can be offered as an option. The interior offers much more space without being ultra-spacious. Compact SUVs are more versatile and allow themselves to go off the beaten path while remaining perfectly at ease in urban environments.
As the name suggests, this type of SUV sports a family feel, just like station wagons. The term crossover is often used to describe the marriage between the SUV and station wagon concepts of these vehicles. Indeed, the family SUV shares with the station wagon the generous and comfortable interior obtained by its length which can go up to 4.70 m.
It borrows from the classic SUV its high ground clearance. Some family SUV models are real adventurers that do very well in difficult conditions. Nevertheless, most of these vehicles are better behaved in the city than elsewhere. The family SUV is relatively heavy. So you have to rely on a muscular engine, which consumes more fuel, in order to enjoy optimal handling.
The large SUV lives up to its name. These cars reach lengths of 5 m and more. The segment is dominated by luxury models with starting prices around €100,000. These are large, luxurious cars that emphasize power, sportiness, prestige and comfort. This implies an important weight requiring engines with large displacements and high consumption. Large SUVs are as expensive to maintain as they are to run. They are therefore not accessible to everyone.
The internal combustion SUV is reliable and powerful despite its slightly above-average consumption. This type of motorization is still the most present in today's SUV models and offers high power coupled with almost unlimited autonomy, as the fuels are very widespread. However, the thermal SUV poses the problem of pollution. These vehicles are often blamed for the increase in carbon emissions by the automotive industry. Despite this, they are still very popular, especially for their sporty character, which is often highlighted by manufacturers.
They are much less present on the market despite a growing boom in recent years. 100% electric SUVs are still quite rare on our streets because of range constraints and the availability of charging stations. Hybrid SUVs, on the other hand, are much more common. These are cars that combine a combustion engine and an electric motor. The problem of range does not really arise with these models. On the other hand, the reduction in CO2 emissions remains relative, regardless of the type of hybridization (conventional, plug-in, light).
The new less polluting engines are strongly recommended by the manufacturers. So, choose electric and hybrid models in order to make a gesture towards the environment while continuing to drive an SUV. On the other hand, to take advantage of the sporty side of these vehicles, internal combustion engine models remain the most appropriate.
SUVs, regardless of type, are more comfortable than pure 4x4s. This increased habitability is a real asset that seduces. This is due to the larger size of SUVs, but also to factors such as a longer wheelbase. This means that there is generally more space between the seats and the benches are better arranged. Generally speaking, SUVs compete very well with luxury sedans in terms of comfort and roominess.
With engines that are usually more powerful than those of sedans, SUVs are more versatile. Add to that the ability to switch to all-wheel drive and a higher ground clearance. Like 4x4s, SUVs do well in rough conditions. They do even better in urban environments despite their large size.
The SUV has a lot going for it. However, the average driver will tend to choose this type of vehicle over another because driving an SUV is stylish. These vehicles reflect a prestigious side that sedans and other compact city cars do not always have. Besides, affording an SUV is a luxury that less affluent households can't afford.
There's a common misconception that because of their high ground clearance and greater mass, SUVs are safer than lighter cars. This is true, but only in cases of emergency braking and impact with a much lighter vehicle. In frontal and side impacts with fixed obstacles, the risks are the same for an SUV, a sedan and a compact car. Therefore, vigilance is still required even if you are driving a large SUV that weighs more than 2 t.
Since SUVs are elevated, they offer better visibility to the driver. This has a direct impact on visual comfort. In turn, the optimized peripheral view has a great influence on safety. Indeed, the driver can see farther and anticipate sudden slowdowns of cars in front.
In our opinion, the best brands of SUV in 2022 are :
Peugeot was rather late in entering the SUV segment. Nevertheless, the French manufacturer has managed to catch up by offering reliable, powerful and comfortable models like the 5008. Its 2008 model has been a best-seller in the UK since 2020.
BMW is among the pioneers of the SUV with its X5 model presented to the public as early as 1999. Today, the brand offers its models by the hundreds of thousands around the world. These SUVs are known for their build quality, power and prestige.
Renault has made its mark on the SUV market through cult models like the Duster. The French manufacturer impresses especially for its low cost side. You will find in its catalog SUVs at the best prices. Of course, its catalog is also enriched with higher-end vehicles that, in addition to being very comfortable, are still affordable.
The Japanese manufacturer boasts of being one of the inventors of the SUV with models like the Terrano or even the Qashqai in the cross-over segment. Today, Nissan still offers several models in the air of time, still performing, reliable and interesting in terms of price and maintenance costs.
Great player in the market of luxury SUVs, Mercedes is developing models that are unavoidable like the G class, which has kept the sportiness of 4x4s while adapting to the luxury and comfort of SUVs. Currently, the German brand is among the most reliable and prestigious manufacturers on the market.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Engageable or semi-permanent all-wheel drive
Both types of transmission are ideal for enjoying the power and traction of a four-wheel drive SUV while limiting fuel consumption. All-wheel drive can be engaged manually or automatically when needed. In the city, the car will be able to run in either front- or rear-wheel drive.
Urban or compact SUV to avoid clutter
You can very well drive an SUV without having to deal with the clutter effect. Opt for an urban model or a compact that is no bigger than a sedan. The ground clearance will still be high, though, so you'll enjoy better visibility.
Monitor tire inflation
To keep your SUV's fuel consumption in check, it's a good idea to inflate your tires to the right pressure. Studies have shown that under-inflated tires wear out faster and increase fuel consumption by 4%.
Close your windows while driving
If you're driving alone or with two people in the front seat, it's a good idea to close the rear windows and, if possible, those in the front and sunroof. Why? This will make you more aerodynamic and will have an impact on the fuel consumption of your SUV. The savings are around 5% according to studies conducted on the subject.
Adopt a ride that suits your SUV
Despite the power of your SUV, it is advisable to avoid sudden braking and acceleration as these actions can have a big impact on your fuel consumption. Note also that other small habits can help you limit your SUV's fuel bills. Turning off the engine when you stop or turning off the air conditioning are among them.
Not necessarily! You should know that some sports sedans consume more fuel than compact SUVs. This rule is not always valid, even if SUVs do consume a little more than the average. You can, however, adopt some of the actions listed above to limit the fuel consumption level of your sport utility vehicle.
Yes! Generally speaking, SUVs are more expensive to maintain compared to minivans and sedans. Nevertheless, the cost of maintaining an SUV is closely related to the model. Taking care of a French SUV is often less expensive than with an Asian or American model. Of course, the range also contributes to define the maintenance cost. On this point, high-end SUVs are the most expensive to keep in good condition.
Some SUVs are eligible for the conversion bonus. However, from July 2021, a reform of this state aid will exclude all diesel cars, including previously eligible SUVs. This is also the case for the ecological bonus. Be sure to check with your dealer before you buy to see if a model is eligible for these aids.
No! It's rare that an SUV can compete with a pure 4x4 on the most difficult trails. Regardless, its high ground clearance allows it to venture into rough roads that sedans and compacts couldn't advance on.
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